Final answer:
The spouse's statement likely refers to the family stressor related to long shift hours in an EMS career, which can hinder fulfilling family obligations and create work-family conflict, affecting personal relationships and family dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your spouse says, Your job is more important to you than your family!, they are likely responding to the type of family stressor due to your EMS career associated with long shift hours. This situation is indicative of the strain from participation in work making it difficult to fulfill the requirements of the family. EMS careers are known for their demanding schedules, which can include late evenings, overtime, and long shifts, contributing to less time available for family and potentially causing significant stress in personal relationships.
Significant stress can arise when an individual is unable to balance the demands of work with those of the family, leading to conflict. This work-family conflict is characterized by the time devoted to one role making it challenging to perform in the other. For EMS workers, long hours on the job can lead to exhaustion, reducing quality time with family. The impact of this work-related stress is not limited to the individual but also affects family dynamics and can be a source of marital tension. This type of stressor is common in occupations requiring long shift hours, leading to a lack of presence at home which affects the emotional support and bonding that are critical in relationships.